Milan
/mɪˈlæn/noun
A major city in northern Italy, known as a global center of fashion, finance, and design.
Did you know?Milan’s ancient Celtic name is usually traced to *Medhelan*, meaning “in the middle of the plain,” which the Romans later Latinized as Mediolanum.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Roman / Celtic
Celtic
*Medhelan*
““Middle plain” or “central place in the plain””
Roman era
Latin
Mediolanum
“The Roman name for Milan, preserving the older local place-name”
Late Latin
Latin
Mediolanum
“Administrative and ecclesiastical name for the city”
Old French / Medieval
Old French
Milan
“The city name as adopted into Romance and European usage”
Modern English
English
Milan
“The Italian city of Milan”